Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

It is important for the public to know that stray bullets have been known to penetrate walls, roofs, and cars, injuring and killing innocent people. Stray bullets can be lethal even at great distances.

Discharging a firearm or other forms of projectiles into the air is not only dangerous, it can result in injury or even death.

It is also illegal. California Penal Code 246.3 P.C. states,

246.3. (a) Except as otherwise authorized by law, any person who willfully discharges a firearm in a grossly negligent manner which could result in injury or death to a person is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.

(b) Except as otherwise authorized by law, any person who willfully discharges a BB device in a grossly negligent manner which could result in injury or death to a person is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year.

(c) As used in this section, "BB device" means any instrument that expels a projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, through the force of air pressure, gas pressure, or spring action.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department will arrest all individuals found discharging firearms. If convicted under California Penal Code section 246.3, these individuals could face felony charges, punishable by incarceration in the state prison. Any person, who observes someone preparing to, or discharging a firearm, is asked to immediately call 9-1-1 to report the incident.

Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff's CrimeTips online form.